BBC World Service and Ericsson join hands for project in Bangladesh

BBC's international development organisation, The BBC World Service Trust, has selected Ericsson to develop its mobile learning strategy in Bangladesh.
 
Ericsson will work on a project to develop English-language learning tools for mobile phones in Bangladesh. It is now filling a consultative role, creating the business plan, strategy and service specifications for mobile learning services in Bangladesh.

The mobile strategy will complement an online learning site and potential television programmes in Bangladesh.

The BBC World Service Trust recognizes that the mobile channel can play a key role in supporting its learning objectives in Bangladesh, thanks to its ability to reach a wide audience. More than 50 million mobile subscriptions have been sold in Bangladesh.

Ericsson has had a presence in Bangladesh for over 10 years and works closely with major mobile operators in the country.

"The BBC World Service Trust selected Ericsson because of its experience of the mobile industry and its understanding of mobile consumer habits in Bangladesh," said Sara Chamberlain, head of Interactive, Bangladesh, BBC World Service Trust. "It was also important for us to find a partner for this project with experience of working with the media sector and a broad range of end-user services."

According to Mats Granryd, managing director, Ericsson UK, "The partnership with the BBC World Service Trust allows us to demonstrate a wide range of technical and commercial consultancy competencies. Ericsson's leadership in mobile systems and services, plus our understanding of end users, technology and applications, makes this a great, natural combination. It also demonstrates Ericsson's ability to support non-telecom players who want to develop the mobile channel."

Ericsson Consulting and Systems Integration provides telecommunication advisory services and systems integration services to telecom operators, media and internet industries, enterprises and the government sector. Ericsson's consulting and systems integration expertise covers the areas of business strategy and development, operational efficiency, technology and development. More than 1000 consulting and systems integration projects are delivered every year.

BBC World says it uses the creative power of media to reduce poverty and promote human rights. The project is being funded as part of the UK Department for International Development's English in Action project.